let the troubleshooting begin for 2013!

[ironj]

ok so i took the ol girl out for the fist time this year, and got a new issue to solve. (as if owning and maintaining one of these things isnt enough already lol. So anyway, here is the deal. Over winter i was wasting money on my tow pig and i decided to install a 4" lift kit since an f250 is already so short to begin with.. I knew i was going to have to drop my hitch head to compensate, no big deal, but i have now ran out of holes to lower it and i need a new shank ( i was using a 10" drop shank beffore )

so couple of questions for those of you who have switched out the shanks on your hitches

1. if i just decide to get a new shank, where is the cheapest place to look ?

2. If i decide to just ditch the hitch entirely (its a basic round bar/chain/friction bar setup) and go with a cleaner and quieter system like a dual cam can i get it with a 2.5" bar to fit an f250 reciever without an adapter, and with an extended drop shank, or will i STILL need to find a place to purchase one after i buy a new system?

3. any other ideas/recommendations for what i should or could do? (and no im not taking the lift off the truck, i like it !! )

last year i ran the basic wdh with round bars and friction bar, and once it was all tweaked and set up just right it towed GREAT...much better than i ever thought such a basic wdh system could. But if i gotta spend money and set the thing up all over again, i dont see why i shouldent upgrade the whole thing???

anyway, let me know what you guys think or any suggestions on the shank

thanks
jeremy

[SaskCampers]

So was your truck stock height before? I ask because My 2011 F250 receiver sits 4" lower than my 08 Ram 2500 Megacab 4x4 did. I used a 9 hole 6" drop shank Blue Ox that my buddy that works at a machine shop added a small extension to so I could use the lower holes in the shank. Now I am going to have to modify it again or buy a new drop shank. I am also curious as to the 2 1/2" receiver on your truck as mine is a 2".

[ironj]

Yeah, it was stock before...mind you it was the fx4 camper package with the 20" wheels...so it was taller than a reg 250"....stock receiver as well...the one rated for 17.5k with the 2.5" drawbar....it came stock that way with a lil adapter sleeve to use 2" drawbar....I promptly lost the original sleeve...lol...

My rear fender sits at around 45" with the stock wheels and a lil higher with the nitto 35x12.5 aftermarkets..

[pwrstroke2012]

I went from a F150 to a 2012 F350 6.7 and had to buy a different shank due to my new truck being higher. I have the equilizer hitch and bought a 2" shank not knowing they offer a 2 1/2" shank. Had I known I would have went with 2 1/2".

As for your receiver thesasks, you have a gas motor, I wonder if they put the 2 1/2" on diesels due to they usually tow heavier loads or are used by construction companies more?

[SaskCampers]

I have a 9600lb gvwr truck, perhaps the 10k one is different. And again it seems they did some small changes to the 12's.

[ironj]

I believe they switched the hitches out around mid 2011 model year....although mine is an f250 I had the 350axle and lift block put in shortly after I got it....then the larger lift this winter....mine is only rated for 10kgvr....but its equiped as a 350 now...wasnt a whole lotta diff....

[DougP47]

so couple of questions for those of you who have switched out the shanks on your hitches

1. if i just decide to get a new shank, where is the cheapest place to look ?

Iron j I might have what you need or Jeff Couch RV Nation. https://www.couchsrvnation.com/ A friend of mine had to special order on for his tv. used it about 1/2 season then bought a new tv and tt. he has it at Jeff Couch rv to see if they have anyone who might need one in the furture. give them a call if you like, should not take 6 weeks to get one ordered and built. That's how long it to him to get his. The type is E-qu-lizer hitch.Best of luck.